Pellet transfer system

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a system for transferring fuel pellets from one container which may be at a location external to a building to a second container which may be at a location in an interior of the building. The system may include a first container positioned at a location remote from the building and a second container positioned proximate to the building. The first and second containers are connected to one another to permit the transfer of fuel pellets from the first container to the second container by a pneumatic apparatus.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/608,670 filed on Apr. 25, 2018, which is a National PhaseEntry of international PCT Patent Application Serial No.PCT/CA2018/000078 filed on Apr. 25, 2018, designating the United States,and which claims the benefit of, and priority from U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 62/491,642 filed on Apr. 28, 2017. Thisapplication also claims the foreign priority benefit of Canadian PatentApplication Serial No. 3,094,861 filed on Sep. 30, 2020. The contents ofeach of the aforementioned applications are incorporated by referenceherein.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to pellet transfer systems and methods,and in particular to systems and methods for transferring pellets, suchas fuel pellets, to a location outside of a building to a location in aninterior of a building.

BACKGROUND

Fuel pellets are pellets that can be used as a source of fuel in acombustion apparatus such as for example a stove or burner. Fuel pelletsinclude biofuel pellets that may be made from compressed organic matteror biomass. Wood pellets are another common type of fuel pellets and aregenerally made from compacted sawdust and related wastes from themilling of lumber, manufacture of wood products and furniture, andconstruction. Wood pellets and other fuel pellets may be suitable foruse in home and other buildings, and may be used as a source of energywhen combusted, providing heat energy for heating the buildings.Accordingly, some homes and other buildings are equipped with fuelpellet burners. Some homes and other buildings rely on fuel pellets as aback-up source of fuel/energy, while others rely on fuel pelletsprimarily or exclusively as the source of fuel. For example, in remotegeographical regions of the world, such as in Canadian rural areas, fuelpellets may be the primary source fuel for heating.

Fuel pellets may be sold to the average consumer in bags, such as 40pound bags. Such bags can usually be handled by a single individual whocan transport such bags from one location such as a storage location(which may be detached from a building) to another location where theycan be unpacked and the fuel pellets used to feed a fuel pellet burner.This substantially manual system/method of moving fuel pellets from astorage location to a location where they can be fed into a burner ischeap and easy to employ for small scale uses of fuel pellets (e.g. forfeeding a back-up heater in case of power outage, or feeding a stove ina seldom used cottage).

However, for homes and buildings that rely on the use of large amountsof fuel pellets, simply utilizing and moving bags that hold a relativelymodest number/weight of fuel pellets to provide the necessary amount offuel pellets for burners can be inconvenient. For example, a typicalhome relying solely on fuel pellets to provide heating from a burner mayconsume in the order of one or more tons of fuel pellets each year.Similarly, a large building, such as for example a hockey rinkindustrial warehouse/factory may consume in the order of tens of tons offuel pellets each year. Such homes and buildings may utilize a storagecontainer (e.g. a silo) having a large storage capacity and which may belocated some distance from the building that contains the stove/burner.The large storage container can typically hold several weeks or evenmonths' supply of pellets at a time. Such storage silos are typicallyreplenished by large orders of pellets that are delivered by atransportation apparatus, such as truck. However, external storage silosmay be inconvenient to reach and/or difficult to access when it isdesired to draw fuel pellets from the storage silo, such as in coldwinter months.

Storage silos are often positioned at a significant distance the home orbuilding that relies on the fuel pellets to accommodate deliveries by atruck. It may be advantageous to place the storage silos a significantdistance from the home of building to reduce noise and dust resultingfrom the truck deliveries that may negatively impact individuals inclose proximity to the storage silo. Also, locating a storage silo at asignificant distance from the home/building may reduce the fire riskposed by the storage of a large volume of fuel pellets. However,external storage silos may be inconvenient to reach and difficult toaccess when it is desired to draw fuel pellets form the storage silo,such as in cold winter months.

Accordingly, alternate systems and methods are desired for transferringfuel pellets from a storage location external to and remote from abuilding to a location in/proximal to an interior of a building.

SUMMARY

In overview, a system is disclosed for transferring fuel pellets, suchas wood pellets, from a location remote/external to a building to alocation within the interior of the building. The system may include twofuel pellet containers. A first container may be positioned at alocation remote/a significant distance from the building and may besuitable for receiving and storing a relatively large volume of fuelpellets. This first container may be configured and suitably located tobe able to receive and hold a large volume of fuel pellets from adelivery apparatus such as a truck.

A second container may be positioned close to/proximate/adjacent to anexterior portion of the building and may be suitable for receiving andstoring a relatively smaller volume of fuel pellets than the firstcontainer. The first container and the second container may be in fuelpellet communication with one another. For example, a conduit mayconnect the first and second containers to permit the movement of fuelpellets from the first container to the second container. In addition,the second container may be in fuel pellet communication with a locationwithin the interior of the building. For example, another conduit mayextend from the second container located proximate/adjacent the exteriorof the building, through a wall of the building, into the interior ofthe building.

The system may also include an apparatus that is operable to create anair pressure differential between the first container and the secondcontainer, such that the air pressure within the second container issubstantially less than the air pressure in the first container.Accordingly, the air pressure within the second container may besubstantially less than atmospheric air pressure when pneumaticapparatus is operational. The air pressure within the second containermay return to atmospheric air pressure after pneumatic apparatus isswitched off.

For example, a pneumatic apparatus, such as a vacuum generator, may beconnected to and in air communication with the second container. Whenthe pneumatic apparatus is operated, it may lower the air pressurewithin an inner cavity of the second container substantially below theair pressure in the ambient surroundings, and in particular below theair pressure within a cavity in the first container. This pressuredifference may create an air flow from the interior of the firstcontainer through the connecting conduit to the second container. Theair flow that is generated will be of sufficient velocity to createforces acting upon fuel pellets in the first container to cause the fuelpellets in the first container to move from the first container throughthe conduit into the second container.

Thus, the pneumatic apparatus may create an air flow which moves fuelpellets from the first container, which is remote from the building, tothe second container, which is proximate to/adjacent to the exterior ofthe building. The pneumatic apparatus may be operated selectively andintermittently to load the second container with fuel pellets from thefirst container when desired.

The second container may be generally enclosed and may have asubstantially sealed inner cavity that permits the pneumatic apparatusto reduce air pressure in the second container sufficiently to cause thefuel pellets held in the first container to be transferred from thefirst container through the connecting conduit into the secondcontainer.

Further, because the second container may also be in fuel pelletcommunication with the interior of the building, the fuel pellets in thesecond container may be easily transferred into the interior of thebuilding when fuel pellets are required in the interior of the building.

A conduit may be connected at a bottom portion/region of the secondcontainer and may extend downwardly through a wall of the building intothe interior of the building. This may allow the fuel pellets to flowinto the building from the second container due to the force of gravity,without the use of a pneumatic apparatus or other driving apparatus. Thefuel pellets may be received in the interior of the building andintermittently and selectively flow into a third container which may bemanually movable by an individual, e.g. a bucket. The third containermay be movable to allow the operator to move the fuel pellets from theoutlet of the conduit from the second container, to the desired locationin the building, e.g. to a stove or a furnace for use.

A valve mechanism such as a sliding trapdoor/gate may be mounted in aposition to operably control the flow of fuel pellets through theconduit into the interior of the building. For example, a slidingtrapdoor may be provided at the outlet of the conduit which extends fromthe second container into the interior of the building. The trapdoor maybe manually movable between an open position and a closed position. Whenin the open position, fuel pellets from the second container can betransferred into the interior of the building; i.e. the fuel pellets mayflow into the interior of the building due to gravity. When in theclosed position, fuel pellets from the second container are blocked bythe trapdoor. Accordingly, in use, the operator will open the trapdoorto receive fuel pellets as needed, and will close the trapdoor to sealthe opening of the conduit from the second container. The systemtherefore provides to the operator pellets when the trapdoor is in theopen position.

This arrangement means that the pneumatic apparatus only has to beoperated intermittently. Fuel pellets from the second container, whichflow from the second container into the interior of the building due togravity, may be used on a relatively frequent basis (e.g. a day-to-daybasis) until the second container is close to empty or is empty. Oncethe second container is empty (or near empty), the operator may thendecide to turn on the pneumatic apparatus to move an additional batch offuel pellets from the first container into the second container.Depending upon the relative height positioning of the inlet to thesecond container compared to the outlet from the first container, thepneumatic apparatus may have to generate sufficient air flow between thefirst container and the second container to overcome not onlyphysical/frictional resistive forces resisting movement of the fuelpellets, but also gravitational forces.

This system allows an operator to access fuel pellets from within theinterior of the building without the need to activate the pneumaticapparatus on a relatively frequent basis. While the pneumatic apparatusmay be activated by a simple switch mounted in the interior of thebuilding, by relying on gravity for fuel pellets on a day-to-day basis,the operator does not have to wait until the pneumatic apparatus hastransferred fuel pellets each day. Further, the pneumatic apparatus maybe powered using electrical power, which may not be available at alltimes (especially in remote regions) such as when an electricalgenerator is not operating.

According to one illustrative embodiment, there is provided a system fortransferring a plurality of fuel pellets comprising a first containerpositioned at a location remote from a building and configured to hold afirst volume of a plurality of fuel pellets; an enclosed secondcontainer positioned proximate an exterior portion of the building andconfigured to hold a second volume of a plurality of fuel pellets, thesecond container being in fuel pellet communication with the firstcontainer to permit the transfer of fuel pellets from the firstcontainer to the second container, and the second container also beingin fuel pellet communication with a location in an interior of thebuilding to permit the transfer of fuel pellets from the secondcontainer to the interior of the building; and an apparatus operable forgenerating an air pressure differential between the first container andthe second container, such that the air pressure within the secondcontainer is substantially less than the air pressure in the firstcontainer and sufficient to cause fuel pellets held in the firstcontainer to be communicated from the first container to the secondcontainer.

According to another illustrative embodiment, there is provided a methodfor transferring a plurality of fuel pellets comprising holding in afirst container a first volume of a plurality of fuel pellets, the firstcontainer being positioned at a location remote from a building andbeing in fuel pellet communication with an enclosed second container topermit the transfer of fuel pellets from the first container to thesecond container, and the second container being positioned proximate anexterior portion of the building; and selectively operating a pneumaticapparatus to generate an air pressure differential between the firstcontainer and the second container, such that the air pressure withinthe second container is substantially less than the air pressure in thefirst container and sufficient to cause fuel pellets held in the firstcontainer to be communicated from the first container to the secondcontainer, thereby transferring fuel pellets to the second container.

Accordingly, an aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system fortransferring a plurality of fuel pellets from a location external to abuilding, through an exterior wall of the building, to a location withinthe building. The system includes a first container positioned at alocation external to the building and configured to hold a first volumeof a plurality of fuel pellets in a first inner cavity. The system alsoincludes a second enclosed container positioned at a location in aninterior of the building and configured to hold a second volume of aplurality of fuel pellets in a second inner cavity. The system alsoincludes a first conduit providing fuel pellet communication from aninner cavity of the first container via the first conduit to the innercavity of the second container to enable the transfer of fuel pelletsfrom the first container to the second container. The system alsoincludes a pneumatic apparatus positioned at a location external of thebuilding. The system also includes a second conduit extending from thesecond container the through the exterior wall of the building to thepneumatic apparatus and providing air flow communication from the secondinner cavity through the second conduit. The pneumatic apparatus beingoperable for selectively generating an air pressure differential betweenthe first inner cavity and the second inner cavity, such that whenoperated, a first air pressure within the second inner cavity is lessthan a second air pressure in the first inner cavity. The air pressuredifferential developed by the pneumatic apparatus by air flow though thesecond conduit being sufficient to cause fuel pellets held in the firstcontainer to be communicated with air flow from the first containerthrough the first conduit to the second container.

In another aspect, there is provided a method for transferring aplurality of fuel pellets. The method includes holding in a firstcontainer a first volume of a plurality of fuel pellets, the firstcontainer being positioned at a location external of a building andbeing in fuel pellet communication with an enclosed second container,the second container positioned in a location in an interior of thebuilding, the first container and second container operable to permitthe transfer of fuel pellets from the first container through a firstconduit to the second container, and the second container beingpositioned proximate a location external of the building. The methodalso includes selectively operating a pneumatic apparatus, the apparatuspositioned at a location on the exterior of the building andinterconnected for air flow transmission by a second conduit to thesecond container, to generate an air pressure differential between thefirst container and the second container, such that the air pressurewithin the second container is substantially less than the air pressurein the first container and sufficient to cause fuel pellets held in thefirst container to be communicated from the first container to thesecond container, thereby transferring fuel pellets to the secondcontainer.

In another aspect, there is provided a method for transferring aplurality of fuel pellets from a first container to a second containerwith a system including a first container positioned at a locationexternal to the building and configured to hold a first volume of aplurality of fuel pellets in a first inner cavity. The system alsoincludes a second enclosed container positioned at a location in aninterior of the building and configured to hold a second volume of aplurality of fuel pellets in a second inner cavity. The system alsoincludes a first conduct providing fuel pellet communication from aninner cavity of the first container via the first conduit to the innercavity of the second container to enable the transfer of fuel pelletsfrom the first container to the second container. The system alsoincludes a pneumatic apparatus positioned at a location external of thebuilding. The system also includes a second conduit extending from thesecond container the through the exterior wall of the building to thepneumatic apparatus and providing air flow communication from the secondinner cavity through the second conduit. The method includes activatingthe pneumatic apparatus to generate an air pressure differential betweenthe first inner cavity and the second inner cavity, such that a firstair pressure within the second inner cavity is less than a second airpressure in the first inner cavity, the air pressure differentialdeveloped by the pneumatic apparatus by air flow though the secondconduit, is sufficient to cause fuel pellets held in the first containerto be communicated with air flow from the first container through thefirst conduit to the second container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the figures which illustrate example embodiments,

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a pellet transfer system in accordancewith one embodiment;

FIG. 2A shows a cut away perspective isolated view of a first containerof the pellet transfer system of FIG. 1, in accordance with oneembodiment;

FIG. 2B shows a cut away perspective isolated view of a flow regulatorof the pellet transfer system of FIG. 1, in accordance with oneembodiment;

FIGS. 2C-2D show in perspective isolated view of a first container ofthe pellet transfer system of FIG. 1, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIGS. 3A-3B show a partial schematic view of the pellet transfer systemof FIG. 1, in accordance with various embodiments;

FIGS. 4A-4B show a partial schematic view of the pellet transfer systemof FIG. 1, in accordance with various embodiments;

FIGS. 5A-5B show a partial perspective view of the pellet transfersystem of FIG. 1, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of components of a pellet transfer systemin accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 7A shows a perspective isolated view of a first container of thecomponents depicted in FIG. 6;

FIG. 7B shows an enlarged perspective isolated view of part of the firstcontainer of FIG. 7A;

FIGS. 8A-8B show partial schematic views of some of the componentsdepicted in FIG. 6, in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 9A shows a front view of a second container of the componentsdepicted in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9B shows a front view of the interior surface of a rear plateportion of the second container of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 9C shows a top view of the rear plate portion of the secondcontainer of FIG. 9A and components extending therethrough;

FIG. 9D shows an enlarged bottom front perspective view of the secondcontainer of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 10 show a schematic view of part of a pellet transfer systememploying the first container of FIG. 7 and a fuel pellet deliverytruck, in accordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to FIG. 1, a schematic view of system 100 fortransferring/moving fuel pellets is illustrated that may include a firstcontainer 200, a second container 300, and a pneumatic apparatus 120.Second container 300 may be located proximate/adjacent to an exteriorwall 352 of a building 150 having an interior 340. First container 200may be positioned at a location remote from second container 300 andbuilding 150. For example, first container 200 and second container 300may be positioned apart from each other at an approximate distance inthe range of about 10 (or less) feet to 70 (or more) feet.

First container 200 may have a housing that defines an inner cavity thatmay hold a first volume of fuel pellets 232. The housing defining thecavity of first container 200 may be made of one or more strong,durable, air permeable and non-water permeable, materials. For examplethe housing of container 200 may be made of wood, rigid plastic, ormetal. In some embodiments, the one or more materials forming firstcontainer 200 may be non-air permeable materials, but first container200 may otherwise have openings that allow air to flow into firstcontainer 200, such as from the environment, in order to create therequired air flows described herein.

The housing of first container 200 may be a multi-layer construction andmay include an outer layer and an inner layer providing a surface thatdefines the wall of the inner cavity. Both inner and outer layers may bemade of materials that are plyometric, wooden, or metallic.

First container 200 may have an opening 205 with a hinged door that maybe selectively opened and closed. When the door is in an openconfiguration this may allow the transfer of fuel pellets from adelivery apparatus (e.g. a truck) into the inner cavity using aconventional system such as a pneumatic system for transferring pelletsfrom the delivery apparatus to first container 200.

Second container 300 may also be generally enclosed and may bepositioned proximate/adjacent to building 150. Second container 300 mayhave a housing that defines an inner cavity that may hold a secondvolume of fuel pellets 334. The housing defining the cavity of secondcontainer 300 may be made of one or more strong, durable, non-air andnon-water permeable materials. For example the housing of container 300may be made of wood, rigid plastic, metal.

The housing of second container 300 may be a multi-layer constructionand may include an outer layer and an inner layer providing a surfacethat defines the wall of the inner cavity. Both inner and outer layersmay be made of materials that are plyometric, wooden, or metallic.

Also, as shown in FIG. 1, pneumatic apparatus 120 may also be positionedproximate/adjacent to building 150 and proximate/adjacent to secondcontainer 300.

Also shown in FIG. 1 are a first conduit 212, that may fluidly connectfirst and second containers 200, 300; a second conduit 314, that mayfluidly connect second container 200 and pneumatic apparatus 120; and athird conduit 318, that may fluidly connect second container 300 andinterior 340 of building 150 through exterior wall 352. In the interior340 of building 150 is an opening 524, which may have a valve mechanismsuch as a sliding trapdoor/gate 502 (best shown in FIGS. 5A-5B). Inproximity to opening 524 may be a placed a third container 504 forreceiving fuel pellets that flow through trapdoor 502 when it is an openoperational configuration.

Accordingly, second container 300 is in fuel pellet communication withfirst container 200, through first conduit 212, to permit the transferof fuel pellets from first container 200 to second container 300.Similarly, second container 300 is also in fuel pellet communicationwith a location interior 340 of building 150, through third conduit 318,to permit the transfer of fuel pellets from second container 300 tointerior 340.

Reference is now made to FIG. 2A illustrating an example embodiment offirst container 200 in a perspective isolated view. As shown, firstcontainer 200 may have a cone-shaped/sloped bottom surface 244 in partdefining inner cavity 202. Conically shaped/sloped bottom surface 244may be provided with a bottom vertex at the base of first container 200.Fuel pellets 232 held in cavity 202 of first container 200 may, at leastin part, be forced by gravity towards the vertex of bottom surface 244.At the bottom vertex of surface 244 may be connected a flow regulator240, which may be in fuel pellet and air flow communication with firstcontainer 200 to permit and regulate the transfer of fuel pellets 232from bottom portion 244 of first container 200 to flow regulator 240 andinto conduit 212. Fuel pellets 232 in the vicinity of bottom surfaceportion 244 may move into flow regulator 240 at least in part bygravity.

Shown in FIG. 2B is a close-up perspective view of flow regulator 240.Flow regulator 240 may have an upwardly extending conduit 246 with alower cut-out inlet portion 242. Conduit 246 may be air flow and fuelpellet connected at an upper end thereof to an inlet 211 of firstconduit 212. Conduit 246 may also be raised from the floor of flowregulator 240 by approximately 1 to 1.5 inches. The gap between thebottom of conduit 246 and floor of flow regulator 240 may permit fuelpellets and air to enter conduit 246.

When pneumatic apparatus 120 is activated, air may flow from cavity 202of container 200 and into flow regulator 240 due to a pressuredifferential between first container 200 and second container 300. Fuelpellets in flow regulator 240 may then be drawn by the air flowgenerated, through the gap between the bottom of conduit 246 and floorof flow regulator 240, into conduit 246, then into first conduit 212,and finally into second container 300.

Lower cut-out inlet portion 242 may also permit additional air to flowfrom flow regulator 240 to second container 300 (through conduits 246and 212) when pneumatic apparatus 120 is activated. Lower cut-out inletportion 242 may help ensure that fuel pellets held in first container200 are communicated through first conduit 212 in combination with anair flow to second container 300. This may reduce the likelihood thatfirst conduit 212 will become clogged by word pellets during operationof pneumatic apparatus 120.

Further, as fuel pellets may be communicated in combination with an airflow which passes through cut-out portion 242 of flow regulator 240,flow regulator 240 may reduce/control the number of fuel pellets thatcan enter first conduit 212; further reducing the likelihood that firstconduit 212 will become clogged.

Cut-out inlet portion 242 may be rectangular shaped having anapproximate length of 2 to 4 inches and an approximate width of 0.5 to1.5 inches. However, cut-out inlet portion 242 may be of any of anyshape and size so long as it allows sufficient air to flow from flowregulator 240 to second container 300. Further, multiple cut-out inletportions may be provided.

In some embodiments, the ratio of fuel pellets and air flow in themixture flowing through conduit 212 may be selectively controlled andvaried by adjusting the size of an open portion of cut-out inlet portion242. Cut-out inlet portion 242 may have attached thereto a mechanism forselectively adjusting the size (e.g. length and/or width) of the openportion of cut-out inlet portion 242, such as a sliding door, which maybe selectively positioned to vary the open portion of cut-out inletportion 242. By adjusting the length and/or width of the open portion ofcut-out inlet portion 242, an operator may easily vary the amount of airwhich is permitted to flow though from cavity 202 of container 200,through cut-out inlet portion 242 into first conduit 212. The more airthat flows through cut-out inlet portion 242 into first conduit 212, thefewer fuel pellets will pass.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 2C and 2D, which illustrate inperspective view the exterior of an example first container 200. Asshown, first container 200 may include a lower opening 248 in exteriorwall 247 of first container 200 (FIG. 2C). Opening 248 may be air flowconnected to the vertex of bottom surface portion 244 of container 200and receive fuel pellets 242 from bottom portion 244 due in part togravity. As shown in FIG. 2D, flow regulator 240 may be mounted toexterior wall 247 of container 200 and engage and be in communicationwith opening 248. As shown, flow regulator 240 may be attached on anexterior side of first container 200 to provide ease of access to flowregulator 240 for added convenience during operation, maintenance, andrepairs. For example, an operator may access flow regulator 240 toadjust the size of an open portion of cut-out inlet portion 242.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 3A and 3B where example embodiments ofenclosed second container 300 are shown. Notably, shown in FIGS. 3A and3B are schematic views of third conduit 318 connecting second container300 and opening 524 in interior 340 of building 150 through exteriorwall 352 to place second container 300 in fuel pellet communication withthe interior 340 of building 150 to facilitate the movement of fuelpellets from second container 300 to the interior of building 150.

Third conduit 318 may extend downwardly from a bottom portion of secondcontainer 300, through exterior wall 352 of building 150, and terminateat an opening 524 at the interior side of exterior wall 352. In someembodiments, third conduit 318 extends from the base wall of secondcontainer 300 downwardly at a 30-45 degree angle from the horizontal,through exterior wall 352, thereby enhancing the effect of gravity, andreducing the number of fuel pellets that remain stuck in secondcontainer 300. In an embodiment as shown in FIG. 3B, the angle is a 45degree angle.

As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, a valve mechanism such as trapdoor 502 mayselectively seal and unseal opening 524 such that when trapdoor 502 isin the open position, fuel pellets from second container 300 flow out ofopening 524 due to gravity into third container 504 (FIG. 5B). Trapdoor502 may also provide an air seal when in the closed position.

Trapdoor 502 will assist in sealing the interior cavity of container 300such that any air flow generated within the interior cavity will flowfrom conduit 212 and into the pneumatic apparatus 120, thus increasingthe efficiency of the pneumatic apparatus in creating the desired lowair pressure in the cavity of second container 300 and the consequentair flow through conduit 212 from first container 200.

As shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 4A, second container 300 may be an enclosedcontainer mounted to external wall 352 of building 150 and pneumaticapparatus 120 may be located in a bottom cavity portion 302 of secondcontainer 300 (also mounted to external wall 352). This is convenientplace to store pneumatic apparatus 120 for several reasons. First,pneumatic apparatus 120 can be placed in close proximity to secondcontainer 300, thereby increasing its effectiveness at transporting fuelpellets. Further, the second container 300 can easily be extended tostore pneumatic apparatus 120, thereby reducing the need for anadditional storage container.

However, as shown in FIGS. 3B and 4B, pneumatic apparatus 120 may bestored in storage container 322 separate from second container 300.Storage container 322 may be mounted to exterior wall 352 of building352 (not shown), or alternatively, may be placed adjacent to exteriorwall 352 of building 150. In some embodiments (not shown) pneumaticapparatus 120 may be placed in the interior of building 150 to protectpneumatic apparatus 120 from weather elements and wildlife. However,second conduit 314 may then extend through external wall 352 to secondcontainer 300.

Second container 300 may have a housing that defines an inner cavitythat may hold a second volume of fuel pellets that is significantly lessthat the volume of fuel pellets that can be held in first container 200.By way of example, first container 200 may have a fuel pellet storagecapacity in the range of 100 to 200 kilograms, whereas second container300 may have a storage capacity of fuel pellets in the range of one ormore tons.

Shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B is a schematic view of first conduit 212connecting first and second containers 200, 300 and placing firstcontainer 200 in fuel pellet and air flow communication with secondcontainer 300 to permit the transfer of fuel pellets from firstcontainer 200 to second container 300. First conduit 212 may beconnected at one end 211 to flow regulator 240 at the bottom portion offirst container 200, and the second end 209 to the top portion of secondcontainer 300.

Also shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B is a schematic view of second conduit 314connecting second container 200 and pneumatic apparatus 120. Secondconduit 314 may be connected at an inlet end 315 to a top portion ofsecond container 200, and at the second end to suction end 324 ofpneumatic apparatus 120, which is configured to draw air out of enclosedsecond container 300. Inlet end 315 of second conduit 314 may bepositioned suitably in relation to outlet end 209 of first conduit 212to efficiently create a reduced pressure within the cavity of secondcontainer 300 and an air flow that passes through the upper portion ofthe cavity of second container 300.

It will however be appreciated, that the air flow created by pneumaticapparatus 120 should not be such that fuel pellets exiting outlet end209 of first conduit 212 are drawn into inlet end 315 of second conduit314. Rather, fuel pellets exiting outlet 209 should remain in secondcontainer 300. This may be achieved in some embodiments by arranginginlet end 315 and outlet end 209 at an offset along the vertical axisrelative to one another. This may also be achieved by attaching a meshat inlet end 315 of second conduit 314, which blocks wood pellets fromentering conduit 314 but permits air to flow.

Second container 300 is generally enclosed, particularly if trapdoor 502closed, preventing air from flowing through conduit 318 into secondcontainer 300 from other than conduit 212. Thus, when pneumaticapparatus 120 is selectively operated to generate an air pressuredifferential between first container 200 and second container 300 (e.g.by reducing the air pressure in second container 300), air will flowfrom the inner cavity of container 300 to pneumatic apparatus 120. Thiswill create an air flow from conduit 212 and from first container 200into conduit 212. This air flow will thereby selectively generate an airflow force that generates forces that move fuel pellets held in firstcontainer 200 through first conduit 212 to said second container 300.

By drawing air from second container 300, pneumatic apparatus 120reduces the air pressure inside enclosed second container 300 relativeto the air pressure of first container 200 and relative to atmosphericair pressure. Pneumatic apparatus 120 therefore generates an airpressure within enclosed second container 300 that is lower than the airpressure with first container 200. If the difference in air pressurebetween first and second containers 200, 300 is sufficiently large, thenpneumatic apparatus 120 will cause fuel pellets 232 held in firstcontainer 200 to be communicated from first container 200 to secondcontainer 300 by the resultant air flow.

After pneumatic apparatus 120 is switched off, the pressure differentialbetween first container 200 and second container 300 may decreasesubstantially such that the air pressure within second container 300returns to atmospheric air pressure.

As discussed above, second container 300 may have an inner cavity thatis substantially air-sealed. It is generally easier for a pneumaticapparatus 120 to reduce the air pressure of a substantially air-sealedcontainer 300. Accordingly, for a given pneumatic apparatus 120, whensecond container 300 is substantially air-sealed, pneumatic apparatus120 will generate a larger pressure difference between first and secondcontainers 200, 300 than if second container 300 was not substantiallyair-sealed.

Similarly, when second container 300 is substantially air-sealed, apneumatic apparatus 120 providing a relatively lower-maximum suctionpower may be used.

Similarly, to compensate for any air-leakage in second container 300, apneumatic apparatus 120 device having a relatively higher maximumsuction power may be used. However, a more powerful pneumatic apparatus120 will require more power and energy to operate and may generate morenoise and heat. Further, if second container 300 has large openings andlarge air-leaks, then pneumatic apparatus 120 will not be able generatea pressure difference between first and second containers 200, 300 tocreate an air flow that is sufficient to cause fuel pellets held infirst container 200 to be communicated from first container 200 tosecond container 300.

While the inner cavity of second container 300 may be generally enclosedand airtight, second container 300 also has openings to receive firstconduit 212, second conduit 314, and third conduit 318. To improve theair-seal of second container 300, the pipes of each of first conduit212, second conduit 314, and third conduit 318 may be provided withsealed connections to the walls of container 300 and/or the openings inthe inner cavity of container 300, using glue, caulking, or othersealing compounds. Further, any gaps or openings in or between the wallsof container 300 may be sealed using glue, caulking or other sealingcompounds. Further, trapdoor 502 may be designed to be substantiallyairtight to reduce loss of pressure at and through third conduit 318.

Inlet end 315 of second conduit 314 may be connected at the top portionof second container 300 to avoid suction of fuel pellets 334 stored insecond container 300 into pneumatic apparatus 120.

During operation of pneumatic apparatus 120, fuel pellets 232 held inupper compartment 202 of first container 200 may be communicated atleast in part, by gravity, to the bottom portion 244 of first container200 and into flow regulator 240. Once at flow regulator 240, the airpressure difference between first and second containers 200, 300 (whensufficiently large) causes fuel pellets to be communicated from flowregulator 240 of first container 200 and into the top portion of secondcontainer 300.

The flow rate of fuel pellets between first and second containers 200,300 will depend, in part, on the suction power of pneumatic apparatus120, the length of first conduit 212, the air-seal of second container300 and the system generally, and the size and weight of fuel pellets.

Depending upon the relative height positioning of inlet 211 to secondcontainer 300 compared to the outlet 209 from first container 200,pneumatic apparatus 120 may have to generate sufficient air flow betweenfirst container 200 and second container 300 to overcome not onlyphysical/frictional resistive forces resisting movement of the fuelpellets, but also gravitational forces (for example, as shown in FIGS.4A and 4B).

Reference is now made to FIGS. 5A and 5B showing interior 340 ofbuilding 150. In interior 340 of building 150 is opening 524 goingthrough wall 352 and which may be selectively sealed by trapdoor 502mounted to the interior side of wall 352.

Trapdoor 502 may be movable between a closed position (FIG. 5A) and anopen position (FIG. 5B). When in the open position, trapdoor 502 permitsthe transfer of fuel pellets from second container 300 to interior 340of building 150 through third conduit 318. When in the closed position,trapdoor 502 seals opening 524 and seals third conduit 318. Trapdoor 502may be configured as a sliding door/gate 536 which slides up and down(or right and left) to open and close, and a handle 534 to allow anoperator to easily open and close the sliding door/gate. Slidingdoor/gate 536 may be made of plexiglass (which may aid in creating anair seal). Sliding door/gate 536 may be held in a place against wall 532by a wooden or metallic frame. Other/additional sealing mechanisms maybe employed to provide a seal between the sliding door and thewall/conduit.

In the interior of building 150, at the receiving end of opening 524, isthird container 504. Third container 504 has an open top portion and ispreferably a movable container that can be positioned to receive fuelpellets flowing out of second container 300 at the interior side ofexterior wall 352. Movable third container 504 may then be used by anoperator to carry fuel pellets inside building 150 to a fuel pelletstove and/or furnace.

In one illustrative embodiment, pneumatic apparatus 120 is a vacuum,such as a drum model Shop Vac®, which generates suction. In oneillustrative embodiment, pneumatic apparatus 120 is a six horse-powervacuum cleaner, which is connected to a second conduit 314 having a twoinch diameter inner passage. Further, first, second, and third conduits212, 314, 318 may be made of PVC piping. Further, a two inch innerpassageway diameter pipe is suitable for first conduit 212 and a 3.5inch inner passageway diameter pipe is suitable for third conduit 318.This example setup may be suitable for moving fuel pellets (inparticular, wood pellets) of standard industry size and weight (i.e.approx. 1.5 inch in length and 0.25 inch in diameter) along a firstconduit 212 of up to 70 feet. Accordingly, first container 200 may beplaced approx. 70 feet away from building 150. In this embodiment, it isobserved that approx. 40 pounds of fuel pellets may be communicatedevery minute from first container 200 to second container 300. Suchexample parameters are merely illustrative, and a person of ordinaryskill in the art will appreciate that modifications to such parametersare possible and may in fact be required for a given implementation.

In some embodiments, first container 200 is configured to store approx.1 to 5 tons of fuel pellets (or an amount sufficient for 3-12 months'use) and second container 300 is configured to store approx. 100 to 200kilograms of fuel pellets (or an amount sufficient for 3-14 days' use).Of course such parameters are merely illustrative and may be modified tosuit any given implementation. However, as indicated above, firstcontainer 200 may be significantly larger in fuel pellet storage volumethan second container 300. Further, the maximum capacity of firstcontainer 200 may have to be decreased if a flow regulator is not usedas fuel pellets are more likely to clog first conduit without flowregulator. The maximum capacity of second container 300 may also belimited if second container 300 is mounted to an external wall ofbuilding 150.

System 100 is therefore suited for transferring a plurality of fuelpellets from a location external to building 150 to a location in aninterior of the building. In operation, an operator causes firstcontainer 200 to receive and hold a first volume of fuel pellets 232. Inone example, volume 232 is delivered to first container 200 by a truck.

Once first container 200 is holding volume 232 for storage, an operatormay selectively operate pneumatic apparatus 120 to generate first airpressure within enclosed second container 300 that is lower than asecond air pressure in first container 200 and sufficient to cause fuelpellets held in first container 200 to be communicated from firstcontainer 200 to second container 300. The air pressure differencecreated by pneumatic apparatus 120 thereby creates an air flowsufficient to transfer fuel pellets held in first container 200 tosecond container 300. As previously explained, a larger air pressuredifference can be created without increasing the power of pneumaticapparatus 120 if second container 300 is substantially air-sealed.

Once second container 200 is holding a volume of fuel pellets 334 forstorage, an operator may move trapdoor 502 mounted at a location in aninterior of building 150 from a closed position to an open position tocommunicate fuel pellets from second container 200 to the interior ofbuilding 150. In one embodiment, fuel pellets 334 held in secondcontainer 200 are communicated to the interior of building 150 bygravitational force. An operator may also position a movable thirdcontainer 504 to receive fuel pellets being transferred from secondcontainer 300 to the interior of building 150.

With reference to FIGS. 6 and 10, a schematic view of a system 1100 fortransferring/moving fuel pellets 1232 is illustrated that may include atruck 1600 (FIG. 10), a first container 1200, a second container 1300,and a pneumatic apparatus 1120 as well as various conduitsinterconnecting those components. Second container 1300 is located inthe interior 1340 of a building 1150 that may have an exterior wall 1352(which may be a vertical wall as shown or in other embodiments, anotherwall or barrier such as a floor slab—at another orientation). Building1150 may include a fuel pellet burner 1509. Wall 1352 may have aninterior surface 1354 and an exterior surface 1356. First container 1200is positioned at a location at the exterior 1342 of building 1150, andthat may be remote from second container 1300. For example, firstcontainer 1200 may be positioned apart from building 1150 at anapproximate distance in the range of about 10 (or less) feet to 70 feet,or possibly more.

First container 1200 may have a housing that defines an inner cavity1202 that may hold a first volume of fuel pellets 1232. The housingdefining the cavity 1202 of first container 1200 may be made of one ormore strong, durable, air permeable and non-water permeable, materials.For example, the housing of container 1200 may be made of wood, rigidplastic, or metal. In some embodiments, the one or more materialsforming first container 1200 may be non-air permeable materials, butfirst container 1200 may otherwise have openings or channels that allowair to flow into the inner cavity 1202 of first container 1200, such asfrom the environment, in order to create the required air flowsdescribed herein.

The housing of first container 1200 may be a multi-layer constructionand may include an outer layer and an inner layer providing a surfacethat defines the wall of the inner cavity 1202. Both inner and outerlayers may be made of materials that are plyometric, wooden, compositeor metallic. For example, first container 1200 may be made fromfibreglass.

Second container 1300 may also be generally enclosed and may bepositioned in the interior 1340 of building 1150. Second container 1300may have a housing that defines an inner cavity 1399 that may hold asecond volume of fuel pellets 1232. The housing defining the cavity ofsecond container 1300 may be made of one or more strong, durable,non-air and non-water permeable materials. For example, the housing ofcontainer 1300 may be made of wood, rigid plastic, metal. The volume ofinner cavity 1399 inside second container 1300 may be substantiallysmaller than the volume of inner cavity 1202 inside first container1200.

The housing of second container 1300 may also be a multi-layerconstruction and may include an outer layer and an inner layer providinga surface that defines the wall of the inner cavity 1399. Both inner andouter layers may be made of materials that are plyometric, wooden, ormetallic. In a specific embodiment, second container 1300 is made fromfibreglass.

Also, as shown in FIG. 6, pneumatic apparatus 1120 may be positionedproximate/adjacent to building 1150, but is located external to/outsideof building 1150. For example, pneumatic apparatus 1120 may be affixedto the exterior surface 1356 of exterior wall 1352. Pneumatic apparatus1120 may for example be powered by a source of electrical power and beoperated by an electronic or electro-mechanical switch, another wirelessor wired activation/de-activation device, or a similar type ofoperational device that may be physically located within the building1150, but which is in communication with and capable of operating thepneumatic apparatus 1120 located outside of said building (eg. such asby electrical wiring incorporated into a circuit that includes anelectrical switch and pneumatic apparatus 1120 and the source ofelectrical power).

Also shown schematically in FIG. 6 is a first conduit 1212, that mayfluidly connect the inner cavities 1202, 1399, of respectively first andsecond containers 1200, 1300 to provide for air flow as well as fuelpellet communication through exterior wall 1352 of building 1150. Asecond conduit 1314 (shown schematically in FIG. 6) may fluidly connectinner cavity 1202 of second container 1200 and pneumatic apparatus 1120to provide for air flow communication from inner cavity 1399 of secondcontainer 1300 through exterior wall 1352 to produce a reduced airpressure within inner cavity 1399 compared to the air pressure withininner cavity 1202, sufficient to cause an air flow from inner cavity1202 to inner cavity 1399 through conduit 1212, as described furtherhereinafter.

In close proximity to a sealable opening 1302 of second container 1300may be a placed a third container 1504 (such as by a manual operator oran automated apparatus) for receiving fuel pellets 1232 that flowthrough an opening 1302 in second container 1300 when opening 1302 is inan open operational configuration.

Accordingly, first container 1200 is also in fuel pellet communicationwith second container 1300, through first conduit 1212, to permit thetransfer of fuel pellets 1232 from first container 1200 to secondcontainer 1300. As such, fuel pellets are transferred from the exterior1342 to the interior 1340 of building 1150.

Reference is now made to FIG. 7A illustrating an example embodiment offirst container 1200 in a perspective isolated view. First container1200 may be constructed to provide inner storage cavity 1202 from lowerand upper wall halves 1208 and 1210 respectively. Lower wall half 1208may have a lower cylindrical portion that widens to form a half-ovoidcavity that terminates at a flanged opening. Upper wall half 1210 mayhave a similar profile but is inverted with respect to lower wall half1208 and joined together such that flanged openings are in communicationwith and adjacent to each other. Lower and upper wall halves 1208 and1210 may be secured by a ring clamp 1207. Through this arrangement,first container 1200 can be readily dissembled and reassembled formaintenance and transportation. When secured together lower and upperwall halves 1208 and 1210 form a generally ovoid shaped inner cavity1202.

The ovoid shaped wall surface of first container 1200 may allow, atleast in part, fuel pellets to be forced at least in part by gravitytowards the bottom wall portion 1204 of container 1200. First conduit1212 may extend through lower wall half 1208 and may include an inletend 1214 that extends downwards at an angle Θ (FIG. 7A) towards thebottom wall portion 1204 of container 1200. Inlet end 1214 terminates atinlet 1211, located in proximity to bottom wall portion 1204 andoperable to permit the transfer of fuel pellets 1232 from the bottomwall portion 1204 of first container 1200 and into conduit 1212.

First container 1200 may have a total height of by way of example only,84 inches and the flanged openings of lower and upper halves 1208 and1210 may have inner diameters where they are joined of, by way ofexample only, 47 inches. The angle Θ of inlet end 1214 of conduit 1212as indicated on FIG. 7A may be between 23 and 30 degrees and preferably23 degrees, for example. The inlet 1211 of conduit 1212 may also beraised from the bottom portion 1204 of first container 1200 byapproximately 2 inches.

First container 1200 may have a first opening 1205 with a hinged door1206 that may be selectively opened and closed. When the door 1206 is inan open configuration, as shown in FIG. 7B, an operator may transferfuel pellets from a bag or sack. Conveniently, when in an openconfiguration, door 1206 may act as a funnel to aid the transfer of fuelpellets into opening 1205. Opening 1205 may also allow an operator toaccess the inner cavity 1202, for example to clean first container 1200.

First container 1200 may also have second and third openings 1213 a,1213 b respectively located on opposite sides of the cylindrical portionof upper wall half 1210. Openings 1213 a, 1213 b may allow the transferof fuel pellets to first container 1200 from a delivery apparatus (e.g.truck 1600 in FIG. 10) into the inner cavity 1202 using a pelletmovement system such as a pneumatic system. Openings 1213 a, 1213 b mayeach have respective fittings 1215 a and 1215 b attached thereto, whichextend downwards from first container 1200 in order to prevent (or atleast minimize) the ingress of weather elements such as rain or snowinto first container 1200.

Importantly, when pneumatic apparatus 1120 (which is located outside ofbuilding 1150), is activated from inside building 1150, air is drawnfrom inner cavity 1399 of second container 1300, through conduit 1314(that extends through exterior wall 1352), into pneumatic apparatus 1120from which it may be expelled. The movement of air out of secondcontainer 1300 causes air to flow from inner cavity 1202 of container1200 (which is then at a higher air pressure that inner cavity 1399 ofsecond container 1300) and into inlet 1211 of conduit 1212 due to thepressure differential that is created between inner cavity 1202 of firstcontainer 1200 and inner cavity 1399 of second container 1300 bypneumatic apparatus 1120. Fuel pellets in container 1200 may then bedrawn by the air flow generated, through the gap between the bottom ofconduit 1212 and bottom portion 1204 of container 1200, into conduit1212 and through exterior wall 1352, and subsequently into inner cavity1399 of second container 1300.

By locating pneumatic apparatus 1120 on the exterior 1342 of buildingrather that in its interior 1340, noise and vibrations within building1150 may be reduced or even substantially eliminated. The noise andvibrations within building 1150 may also be reduced by limiting the airflow passages between the exterior and interior of the building 1150,such as by providing conduit 1314 as the only air flow/passageway linkbetween pneumatic apparatus 1120 and inner cavity 1399 of secondcontainer 1300, and/or providing conduit 1212 as the only air flow linkbetween second container 1300 and first container 1200.

By also providing a gap between inlet 1211 of conduit 1212 and thebottom surface 1204 of container 1200, additional air flow from firstcontainer 1200 to second container 1300 (through conduit 1212) may bepermitted when pneumatic apparatus 1120 is activated. As a result, thismay help ensure that fuel pellets held in first container 1200 arecommunicated through first conduit 1212 in combination with an air flowto second container 1300. This may reduce the likelihood that the inlet1211 of first conduit 1212 will become clogged by fuel pellets duringoperation of pneumatic apparatus 1120.

Further, as fuel pellets may be communicated in combination with an airflow which passes through inlet 1211 of conduit 1212, the number of fuelpellets that can enter first conduit 1212 may be controlled; reducingthe likelihood that first conduit 1212 will become clogged.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 8A and 8B where example embodiments ofenclosed second container 1300 connected with pneumatic apparatus 1120are shown. Notably, shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B are schematic views ofsecond conduit 1314 connecting second container 1200 and pneumaticapparatus 1120 through exterior wall 1352 of building 1150 in order tocreate a desired low air pressure in the cavity of second container1300. Second conduit 1314 may extend horizontally through exterior wall1352 of building 1150 and terminates within second container 1300.

As shown in FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B, second container 1300 may be anenclosed container mounted (such as with screws, nuts/bolts or similardevices) to the interior surface 1354 of external wall 1352 of building1150 by any suitable means. In FIG. 8A, pneumatic apparatus 1120 may bemounted (such as with screws, nuts/bolts or similar devices) to theexterior surface 1356 of external wall 1352 whilst in FIG. 8B, pneumaticapparatus 1120 may be located at another location in the exterior 1342of building 1150 remote from external wall 1352. Pneumatic apparatus1120 may be within a storage container 1322 to protect pneumaticapparatus 1120 from weather elements and wildlife.

FIG. 8A illustrates a convenient place to locate pneumatic apparatus1120 for several reasons. First, pneumatic apparatus 1120 can be placedin close proximity to second container 1300, thereby increasing itseffectiveness at transporting fuel pellets. Further, by locatingpneumatic apparatus 1120 on the exterior 1342 of building rather thanthe interior 1340, noise and vibrations within building 1150 may bereduced or even substantially eliminated.

Second container 1300 may have a housing that defines inner cavity 1399that may hold a second volume of fuel pellets that is significantly lessthat the volume of fuel pellets that can be held in first container1200. By way of example, first container 1200 may have an inner cavity1202 of a volume in the range of 50 to 80 ft³ that provides a fuelpellet storage capacity in the range of 900 to 1500 kilograms, whereassecond container 1300 may have an inner cavity 1399 with a volume in therange of 1.5 to 4 ft³ that provides a storage capacity of fuel pelletsin the range of 25-60 kilograms.

In some embodiments, second container 1300 may be located in a basementlevel of building 1150 (eg. entirely below the level of the groundoutside upon which first container 1200 rests). In other embodiments, asthe filling of container 1300 with fuel pellets is not reliant, at leastnot entirely, upon the use of the force of gravity to transfer fuelpellets from first container 1200 to second container 1300, secondcontainer 1300 may (with an appropriately configured system 1100including an appropriately selected pneumatic apparatus 1120) be locatedat the ground level of building 1150 or at an above ground level of thebuilding 1150 (eg. container 200 is entirely located at a height that isabove first container 1200)

With reference again to FIG. 6, first conduit 1212 connects first andsecond containers 1200, 1300 and places first container 1200 in fuelpellet and air flow communication with second container 1300 to permitthe transfer of fuel pellets from first container 1200 to secondcontainer 1300. First conduit 1212 may be connected at inlet 1211 to thebottom portion 1204 of first container 1200, and the second end 1209 tothe top portion/region of second container 1300, and above the outlet1315 of conduit 1314.

In conditions when neither pneumatic apparatus 1120 (nor on-board vacuumgenerating unit 1602 of truck 1600 as described below) is operating, theair pressure in first container 1200, second container 1300 and conduits1212 and 1314 will be at normal atmospheric/ambient pressure.

Also shown in FIG. 6 is a schematic view of second conduit 1314connecting second container 1200 and pneumatic apparatus 1120. Secondconduit 1314 may be connected at an inlet end 1315 to a topportion/region of second container 1200, and at the second end tosuction end 1324 of pneumatic apparatus 1120, which is configured todraw air out of enclosed second container 1300. Inlet end 1315 of secondconduit 1314 may be positioned suitably in relation to outlet end 1209of first conduit 1212 to efficiently create a reduced pressure withinthe cavity of second container 1300 and an air flow that passes throughthe upper portion of the cavity of second container 1300.

It will however be appreciated, that the air flow created by pneumaticapparatus 1120 should not be such that fuel pellets exiting outlet end1209 of first conduit 1212 are drawn into inlet end 1315 of secondconduit 1314. Rather, fuel pellets exiting outlet 1209 should remain insecond container 1300. This may be achieved in some embodiments, atleast in part, by arranging inlet end 1315 and outlet end 1209 at anoffset along a vertical axis relative to one another. This may also beachieved or assisted by attaching a mesh at inlet end 1315 of secondconduit 1314, which blocks wood/fuel pellets from entering conduit 1314but permits air to flow there through.

During operation, dust and sufficiently small pieces of debris withinsecond container 1300, may be drawn though inlet end 1315 of secondconduit 1314, into pneumatic apparatus 1120 and be exhausted to theexterior 1342 of building 1150. Such material is not of a sufficientsize to cause damage to pneumatic apparatus 1120 and by removing it fromsecond container 1300, dust within the interior 1340 of building 1150 isminimized.

Other than via conduits 1212 and 1314, inner cavity 1399 of secondcontainer 1300 is generally enclosed, at least when transferring fuelpellets from first container 200 to second container 1300, such that airis prevented air from flowing through opening 1302 into inner cavity1399 of second container 1300. Thus, when pneumatic apparatus 1120 isselectively operated to generate an air pressure differential betweenfirst container 1200 and second container 1300 (e.g. by reducing the airpressure in second container 1300), air will flow from the inner cavityof container 1300 to pneumatic apparatus 1120. This will create an airflow from conduit 1212 from first container 1200 into conduit 1212. Thisair flow will thereby selectively generate an air flow force thatgenerates forces that moves fuel pellets held in first container 1200through first conduit 1212 to said second container 1300.

By drawing air from second container 1300, pneumatic apparatus 1120reduces the air pressure inside enclosed second container 1300 relativeto the air pressure of first container 1200 and relative to atmosphericair pressure. Pneumatic apparatus 1120 therefore generates an airpressure within cavity 1399 of enclosed second container 1300 that islower than the air pressure within inner cavity 1202 of first container1200. If the difference in air pressure between first and secondcontainers 1200, 1300 is sufficiently large, then pneumatic apparatus1120 will cause fuel pellets 1232 held in first container 1200 to becommunicated from first container 1200 to second container 1300 by theresultant air flow.

After pneumatic apparatus 1120 is switched off, the pressuredifferential between first container 1200 and second container 1300 maydecrease substantially such that the air pressure within secondcontainer 1300 (and throughout the rest of system 1100) returns toatmospheric air pressure.

As discussed above, second container 1300 may have an inner cavity thatis substantially air-sealed. It is generally easier for a pneumaticapparatus 1120 to reduce the air pressure of a substantially air-sealedcontainer 1300. Accordingly, for a given pneumatic apparatus 1120, whensecond container 1300 is substantially air-sealed, pneumatic apparatus1120 will generate a larger pressure difference between first and secondcontainers 1200, 1300 than if second container 1300 was notsubstantially air-sealed.

Similarly, when second container 1300 is substantially air-sealed, apneumatic apparatus 1120 providing a relatively lower-maximum suctionpower may be used.

Similarly, to compensate for any air-leakage in second container 1300, apneumatic apparatus 1120 device having a relatively higher maximumsuction power may be used. However, a more powerful pneumatic apparatus1120 will require more power and energy to operate and may generate morenoise and heat. Further, if second container 1300 has large openings andlarge air-leaks, then pneumatic apparatus 1120 may not be able generatea sufficient pressure difference between first and second containers1200, 1300 to create an air flow that causes fuel pellets held in firstcontainer 1200 to be communicated from first container 1200 to secondcontainer 1300. This may particularly be the situation where secondcontainer 1300 is generally located at a higher location than firstcontainer 1200 (or at least outlet 1209 of conduit 1212 is higher thaninlet 1211) such that the air flow must be sufficient to overcomegravity in addition to other resistance forces when fuel pellets travelwithin conduit 1212.

While the inner cavity of second container 1300 may be generallyenclosed and airtight, second container 1300 also has openings toreceive first conduit 1212, second conduit 1314 and opening 1302. Toimprove the air-seal of second container 1300, the pipes of each offirst conduit 1212 and second conduit 1314 may be provided with sealedconnections to the walls of container 1300 and/or the openings into theinner cavity 1399 of container 1300, using glue, caulking, or othersealing compounds. Further, any gaps or openings in or between the wallsof container 1300 may be sealed using glue, caulking or other sealingcompounds. Further, opening 1302 may be designed to be substantiallyairtight to reduce loss of pressure when in a closed position.

Inlet end 1315 of second conduit 1314 may be connected at the topportion (eg. at the uppermost top region) of second container 1300 tominimize the risk/avoid suction of fuel pellets 1232 stored in secondcontainer 1300 being sucked into pneumatic apparatus 1120.

During operation of pneumatic apparatus 1120, fuel pellets 1232 held ininner cavity 1202 of first container 1200 may be communicated at leastin part, by gravity, to the bottom portion 1204 of first container 1200.The air pressure difference between first and second containers 1200,1300 (when sufficiently large) causes fuel pellets to be communicatedfrom bottom portion 1204 of first container 1200, into inlet 1211 offirst conduit 1212, through conduit 1212, and into the top portion ofsecond container 1300.

The flow rate of fuel pellets between first and second containers 1200,1300 will depend, in part, on the suction power of pneumatic apparatus1120, the length of first conduit 1212 (and the internal resistanceassociated therewith), the cross sectional size/profile of conduit 1212,the proficiency/efficiency of the air-seal of second container 1300 andthe system generally, and the size and weight of the fuel pellets (whichmay have a range of sizes and weights).

Depending upon the relative height positioning of inlet 1211 to secondcontainer 1300 compared to the outlet 1209 from first container 1200,pneumatic apparatus 1120 may have to generate sufficient air flowbetween first container 1200 and second container 1300 to overcome notonly physical/frictional resistive forces resisting movement of the fuelpellets, but also gravitational forces.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 9A and 9B showing interior 1340 ofbuilding 1150 where second container 1300 may be affixed to the interiorsurface 1354 of exterior wall 1356 by any suitable means. Secondcontainer 1300 may include a rear plate 1308 and a front housing 1310,which may be sealed together using glue, caulking, or other sealingcompounds to form an airtight seal to form inner cavity 1399.

FIGS. 9B and 9C show the preferred relative positions of second end 1209of first conduit 1212 and inlet end 1315 of second conduit 1314 withininner cavity 1399. Rear plate 1308 may have two openings located towardsthe upper end for receiving first and second conduits 1212, 1314therethrough. Rear plate 1308 may have a total length of 36 inches andbe 22 inches wide at the widest point, for example.

The inner surface of front housing 1310, along with the inner surface ofrear plate 1308, define inner cavity 1399 for receiving pellets throughfirst conduit 1212.

With reference to FIG. 9D, opening 1302 of second container 1300 may bein either an open operational configuration, or a closed operationalconfiguration where the opening 1302 is sealed by a trap door 1304.Trapdoor 1304 may be retained by tracks 1305 and may be movablehorizontally within tracks 1305 between a closed position and an openposition through movement of handle 1306 by an operator. When in theopen position, trapdoor 1304 permits the selective transfer of fuelpellets out of second container 1300 through opening 1302 due togravity. When in the closed position, trapdoor 1304 seals opening 1302,assisting in sealing second container 1300. Trapdoor 1304 may be made ofplexiglass, which may aid in creating an air seal. Other/additionalsealing mechanisms may be employed to provide a seal between trapdoor1304 and opening 1302.

In other embodiments, trapdoor 1304 may be operable by anothermechanism, such as a hinged connection, for example.

In another embodiment, second container 1300 may be affixed to any otherinternal or external wall of building 1150. In yet another embodiment,second container 1300 may be free standing and positioned at any otherlocation within the interior 1340 of building 1150.

Trapdoor 1304 will assist in sealing the interior cavity of container1300 such that any air flow generated within the interior cavity willflow from conduit 1212 and into the pneumatic apparatus 1120, thusincreasing the efficiency of the pneumatic apparatus in creating thedesired low air pressure in the cavity of second container 300 and theconsequent air flow through conduit 1212 from first container 1200.

With particular reference to FIGS. 9B and 9C, first conduit 1212 andsecond conduit 1314 may extend through wall 1352 and through back plate1308 of second container 1300 at substantially the same height andterminate within inner cavity 1399 of second container 1300 atsubstantially the same vertical height but may be spaced aparthorizontally. Further, the second end 1209 of first conduit 1212 may beangled downwards and/or the inlet end 1315 of second conduit 1314 may beangled upwards. Furthermore, the second end 1209 of first conduit 1212may be located vertically below the inlet end 1315 of second conduit1314. Such an arrangement may also help ensure (or at least minimize therisk that) the pellets exiting through second end 1209 of first conduit1212 are not drawn into inlet end 1315 of second conduit 1314 as aresult of the airflow into second conduit 1314, thus avoiding suction offuel pellets 1232 stored in second container 1300 into pneumaticapparatus 1120

In the interior of building 1150, at the receiving end of opening 1302,may be located third container 1504. Third container 1504 may have anopen top portion and may be a movable container that can be positionedto receive fuel pellets flowing out of trapdoor 1502 of second container1300 at the interior surface 1354 of exterior wall 1352. Movable thirdcontainer 1504 may then be used by an operator to move fuel pelletsinside building 1150 to a fuel pellet stove and/or furnace or otherburner.

In one illustrative embodiment, pneumatic apparatus 1120 is a vacuumgenerating/pump type system, which generates suction. In oneillustrative embodiment, pneumatic apparatus 1120 may have a 120V, 8A,2-stage electric motor, which is capable of generating 84.3 cubic feetper minute of air flow within second conduit 1314. Further, first andsecond conduits 1212, 1314 may be made of PVC piping. A 1.5 inch innerpassageway diameter pipe may be suitable for second conduit 1314.Further, a two-inch inner passageway diameter pipe may be suitable forfirst conduit 1212. This example setup may be suitable for moving fuelpellets (in particular, wood pellets) of standard industry size andweight (i.e. approx. 1.5 inch in length and approximately 0.25 inch indiameter) along a first conduit 1212 of up to 16 inches. Accordingly,first container 1200 may be placed approx. up to 70 feet away frombuilding 1150. In this embodiment, it is observed that approx. 40 poundsof fuel pellets may be communicated every minute from first container1200 to second container 1300. The air pressure generated in secondcontainer 1300 when pneumatic apparatus 1120 is activated may be belowatmospheric pressure and may be in the range of 3 to 5 psi. The airpressure differential created between first container 1200 and secondcontainer 1300 when pneumatic apparatus 1120 is activated may be in therange of 3 to 5 psi.

By way of example only, pneumatic apparatus 1120 may be an electricalpowered vacuum air pump capable of generating a volume flow rate of 84cfm at the pump inlet. For example, pneumatic apparatus 120 may be aLamb 116336 vacuum blower motor manufactured by Ametek.

In some embodiments, first container 1200 may be configured with aninner cavity 1202 having a volume of approx. 50 ft³ that provides a fuelpellet storage capacity of approx. 900 kilograms (eg. an amountsufficient for approx. 1 months' use) and second container 1300 may beconfigured with an inner cavity 1399 having a volume having a volume ofapprox. 3 ft³ that provides a fuel pellet storage capacity of approx. 50kilograms (eg. an amount sufficient for 1-3 days' use). However, asindicated above, first container 1200 may be significantly larger infuel pellet storage volume than second container 1300.

System 1100 is therefore suited for transferring a plurality of fuelpellets from a location external to building 1150 to a location in aninterior of the building. In operation, an operator causes firstcontainer 1200 to receive and hold a first volume of fuel pellets 1232.With reference to FIG. 10, in one example a first volume is delivered tofirst container 1200 by a truck 1600. The truck 1600 may have anon-board vacuum generating unit 1602 and a pellet reservoir 1604containing a supply of pellets. An operator may connect a vacuum conduit1606 in communication with the vacuum unit 1602 to fitting 1215 b ofthird opening 1213 b of first container 1200 and a conduit 1608 inpellet communication with pellet reservoir 1604 to fitting 1215 b ofsecond opening 1213 a of first container 1200. The vacuum conduit 1606is in communication with the vacuum generating unit 1602 on the truck1604 in order to generate an air pressure within inner cavity 1202 offirst container 1200 that is lower than the air pressure within thepellet reservoir 1604 of the truck and sufficient to cause fuel pelletsheld in the pellet reservoir 1604 to be communicated from the pelletreservoir 1604 to first container 1200 through conduit 1608.

In another example, a volume of pellets is delivered to first container1200 through opening 1205 from sacks or bags.

Once first container 1200 is holding volume 1232 for storage, anoperator may selectively operate pneumatic apparatus 1120 through aswitch located on the exterior second container 1300 (not shown), orother activation device, to generate first air pressure within enclosedsecond container 1300 that is lower than a second air pressure in firstcontainer 1200 and sufficient to cause fuel pellets held in firstcontainer 1200 to be communicated from first container 1200 to secondcontainer 1300. The air pressure difference created by pneumaticapparatus 1120 thereby creates an air flow sufficient to transfer fuelpellets held in first container 1200 to second container 1300 mounted ata location in an interior of building 1150. Transfer of fuel pellets1232 to second container 1300 may continue until the operatordeactivates pneumatic apparatus 1120, and/or until second container 1300is full of fuel pellets 1232.

Once second container 1200 is holding a volume of fuel pellets 1232, anoperator may move trapdoor 1304 on second container 1300 from a closedposition to an open position through operation of handle 1306 tocommunicate fuel pellets from second container 1200 to movable thirdcontainer 1504. In one embodiment, fuel pellets 1232 held in secondcontainer 1200 are communicated to third container 1504 by gravitationalforce.

Of course, the above-described embodiments are intended to beillustrative only and in no way limiting. The described embodiments aresusceptible to many modifications of form, arrangement of parts,details, and order of operation. The invention is intended to encompassall such modification within its scope, as defined by the claims.

When introducing elements of the present invention or the embodimentsthereof, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to meanthat there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,”“including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean thatthere may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

1.-26. (canceled)
 27. A system for transferring a plurality of fuelpellets from a location external to a building, through an exterior wallof said building, to a location within said building, said systemcomprising: (i) a first container positioned at a location external tosaid building and configured to hold a first volume of a plurality offuel pellets in a first inner cavity; (ii) a second enclosed containerpositioned at a location in an interior of said building and configuredto hold a second volume of a plurality of fuel pellets in a second innercavity, (iii) a first conduit providing fuel pellet communication froman inner cavity of said first container via said first conduit to saidinner cavity of said second container to enable the transfer of fuelpellets from said first container to said second container; and (iv) apneumatic apparatus positioned at a location external of said building;(v) a second conduit extending from said second container said throughsaid exterior wall of said building to said pneumatic apparatus andproviding air flow communication from said second inner cavity throughsaid second conduit; said pneumatic apparatus being operable forselectively generating an air pressure differential between said firstinner cavity and said second inner cavity, such that when operated, afirst air pressure within said second inner cavity is less than a secondair pressure in said first inner cavity, said air pressure differentialdeveloped by said pneumatic apparatus by air flow though said secondconduit, being sufficient to cause fuel pellets held in said firstcontainer to be communicated with air flow from said first containerthrough said first conduit to said second container.
 28. The system ofclaim 27, wherein said air pressure differential generates an air flowthrough said first conduit from said first container to said secondcontainer which creates forces acting upon fuel pellets in said firstinner cavity to cause said fuel pellets in said first container to movefrom the first container through said first conduit which ends at, andflows into, an upper region of the second inner cavity.
 29. The systemof claim 27, wherein said pneumatic apparatus is operable to reduce saidair pressure within said second inner cavity such that the air pressurewithin said second inner cavity is substantially less than atmosphericair pressure.
 30. The system of claim 27, wherein an outlet of saidfirst conduit within said second inner cavity is positioned below aninlet of said second conduit within said second cavity.
 31. The systemof claim 27, wherein an outlet of said first conduit in said secondinner cavity is angled downwards.
 32. The system of claim 27, whereinthe inlet of said second conduit in said second inner cavity is angledupwards.
 33. The system of claim 27, wherein said second container has asubstantially sealed inner cavity.
 34. The system of claim 27, whereinsaid first container has a conically shaped bottom surface.
 35. Thesystem of claim 27, wherein said first conduit has an inlet end incommunication with a lower region of said first inner cavity and saidoutlet end of said first conduit is in communication with a top regionof said second inner cavity.
 36. The system of claim 27, wherein saidsecond container is mounted to an interior surface side of said exteriorwall of said building.
 37. The system of claim 27, wherein the pneumaticapparatus is mounted to an exterior side surface of said external wallof said building.
 38. The system of claim 27, further comprising mobilethird container positioned proximate said location in said interior ofsaid building for receiving fuel pellets from an outlet of said secondcontainer.
 39. The system of claim 38, wherein said second containerfurther comprises a trapdoor, said trapdoor movable between an openposition and a closed position, wherein said open position permits thetransfer of fuel pellets from said second container to said thirdcontainer.
 40. The system of claim 38, wherein said system is operableto transfer fuel pellets from said second container to said thirdcontainer at least in part by gravity.
 41. The system of claim 27,wherein said pneumatic apparatus is configured to be activated anddeactivated by a switch device located within said building.
 42. Thesystem of claim 41 wherein said pneumatic apparatus is connected to saidswitch device by wiring extending through said exterior wall.
 43. Thesystem of claim 27 wherein said fuel pellets are wood pellets.
 44. Thesystem of claim 27 further comprising: (a) a second pneumatic apparatusoperable for selectively generating a low pressure within said firstinner cavity, through third conduit extending between said first innercavity and said second pneumatic apparatus; (b) a fourth conduitoperable for transferring a plurality of fuel pellets from a source offuel pellets to said first inner cavity.
 45. The system of claim 44wherein said second pneumatic apparatus and said source of fuel pelletsare located on a transport vehicle.
 46. A method for transferring aplurality of fuel pellets comprising: holding in a first container afirst volume of a plurality of fuel pellets, said first container beingpositioned at a location external of a building and being in fuel pelletcommunication with an enclosed second container, said second containerpositioned in a location in an interior of said building, said firstcontainer and second container operable to permit the transfer of fuelpellets from said first container through a first conduit to said secondcontainer, and said second container being positioned proximate alocation external of said building; and selectively operating apneumatic apparatus, said apparatus positioned at a location on theexterior of said building and interconnected for air flow transmissionby a second conduit to said second container, to generate an airpressure differential between said first container and said secondcontainer, such that the air pressure within said second container issubstantially less than the air pressure in said first container andsufficient to cause fuel pellets held in said first container to becommunicated from said first container to said second container, therebytransferring fuel pellets to said second container. 47.-51. (canceled)52. A system for transferring a plurality of pellets comprising: a firstcontainer configured to hold a first volume of a plurality of pellets; asecond container physically separated from said first container, saidsecond container configured to hold a second volume of a plurality ofpellets, said second container being in pellet communication with saidfirst container through a first conduit; and an apparatus operable forgenerating an air pressure differential between said first container andsaid second container, such when the apparatus operable for generatingan air pressure differential is activated, the air pressure within saidsecond container is substantially less than the air pressure in saidfirst container and provides an air pressure differential of a magnitudesufficient to cause pellets held in said first container to becommunicated through said first conduit from said first container tosaid second container.
 53. A system as claimed in claim 52 wherein saidapparatus for generating an air pressure differential comprises a secondconduit, said second conduit having a suction intake end connected to atop portion of said second container for generating said air pressuredifferential.